It’s no secret that Stranger Things draws heavily on classic 80s films for style, shot inspiration, and even for plot themes. The show's creators, the Duffer brothers, are very open about which movies inspire them most, and it’s been a fan-favorite tradition to call out iconic shots and scenes since the very first season.
Most of the stars of the show weren't around in the 1980s, so there is some serious catching up to do. Some fans may assume that the Stranger Things cast is handed a big stack of 80s movies at the start of each season to study as homework, but that’s not really the case according to a handful of cast members.
Game Rant recently had the chance to sit down with most of the Stranger Things season 4 (volume 1) cast for a handful of interviews and the topic of “assigned viewings as homework” came up a handful of times, but the cast members seemed to suggest that isn’t something that really happens anymore…
“If there’s a specific scene it usually comes out organically. It usually comes out on the day, but we never really got assigned any homework. At this point the Duffers know us really well.” -Finn Wolfhard
Finn, who plays Mike in Stranger Things, went on to explain that there was one specific scene the Duffer brothers asked him to watch to prepare for an intense season four shot, but it wasn’t even from an 80s movie. He explained that their inspiration really comes from all over.
Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, also responded to a question about movie homework and explained that it was something they did a lot while preparing for season one, but isn’t really necessary anymore now that the cast and the Duffer brothers all know each other (and the Stranger Things world) so well…
“That was like a season 1 thing we did to prepare us when we were entering this world of Stranger Things. At this point we’re really well-versed in the 80s.” - Noah Schnapp
It makes sense that the young cast was asked to watch some specific films early on to understand the general vibe the Duffer brothers were trying to create in Hawkins, but it sounds like the world has taken on enough life of its own that it isn't necessary anymore. Fans of Nightmare on Elm Street are likely in for some fun nods and references when season four arrives, but it doesn't sound like it was an assigned viewing.
Be sure to check back over the coming week for more features, news, and stories as Stranger Things season 4 (volume 1) arrives.
Stranger Things season 4, volume 1 releases on Netflix May 27. Volume 2 follows on July 1.